I think it’s amazing The Walking Dead exists and that we’re getting cinematic-quality zombie action on our TVs each week. However, as a show it’s a mixed bag. Case in point: After a stellar first half, the third season of AMC’s hit undead series seemed to fizzle out to a disappointing non-conclusion. Hopefully the upcoming 4th season will fix that.
Naturally “Talking Dead” host Chris Hardwick was the moderator for the panel. The producers, including creator Robert Kirkman, Greg Nicotero, Gale Anne Hurd and new showrunner Scott Gimple, came out to answer a few questions. Kirkman talked about The Governor’s disappearance at the end of the third season and how he returns will be the big mystery of Season Four. Gimple added: “It’s going to get insane very quickly.”
Before the cast came out, they showed the trailer for the upcoming season, which you can watch right here:
Now it was time for the cast, which included Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, David Morrissey, Scott Wilson, and Chad Coleman. The crowd went especially nuts for Daryl Dixon. You could hear the sound of ovaries throughout Hall H exploding. (Funnily enough, Governor Morrissey received some jeers and boos.)
Some highlights:
– Get ready for more awesome gore. Greg Nicotero said, “There’s stuff that we shot in the last two weeks that is above and beyond. 24 hours ago we shot one of the coolest walker gags ever.”
– When asked the very reasonable question, why didn’t Rick take the group to Woodbury instead of back to the prison, Lincoln said that would be answered in the next season. He said now that Carl is a “sociopath,” you’ll see Rick focusing more on his parental responsibilities.
– Scott Wilson (Hershel) said that he loves how his character is the strong mentor of the group and just really wants to keep his other leg.
– Chad Coleman talked about how Tyrese will fit in to the group and how he wants to stay a nice guy but “this world just won’t let him go that way. Eventually, a can of whoop-ass might get popped open.”
– While it sucks that Merle is gone, Reedus said it will ultimately be good for Daryl, so that he can find his own path and self-worth without becoming a “mini-Merle.”
– David Morrissey still insists that the Governor is not a bad guy. Just that “If you’re not on my side, you gotta go.”
– Nicotero said whenever a character dies they retire their “jersey” in the screening room and call the wall The Grateful Dead.
– Some Asian Walking Dead cosplayers asked whether or not the cast is ready for the zombie apocalypse. Kirkman said he would rather kill himself than live in that world. Andrew Lincoln said he’d be useless. And Norman Reedus got some cheers when he said his plan would be to take over a hotel, spray paint himself naked and watch South Park on repeat.
– The show debuts on Sunday October 13th at 9 p.m.